Quincy police officer found dead in cemetery; no foul play suspected

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

A Quincy police officer was found dead in a Quincy cemetery this morning, but authorities said the death was not considered suspicious.

Officer Edward Ryan, 42, appeared to have been shot to death, officials said. He was not on duty when he was shot.

Ryan’s body was found by a cemetery worker around 6:50 a.m. at the city-owned Pine Hill Cemetery on Willard Street. A pistol, believed to be Ryan’s service weapon, was found nearby, officials said.

David Traub, spokesman for Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey’s office, said State Police detectives are investigating Ryan’s death.

“At this time, there does not appear to be foul play involved,’’ Traub said.

The state medical examiner will determine the cause of death, which could include suicide, officials said.

Quincy Police Captain John Dougan, the department spokesman, said Ryan was assigned to the department’s drug unit and has been on the force for 15 years.

His death has shocked his fellow officers, he said.

“We are very upset,’’ Dougan said. “He was a likeable person and a much-loved guy.’’